28 Days of Diversity (A Little About Me Revisited)
I was pleasantly surprised when I received an e-mail from my social media colleague Wayne Sutton, a few days ago asking for some information about my background for a series he was planning for Black History Month called “28 Days of Diversity.”
Sutton explained his plan to showcase people who are making an impact on the social web. Though he asked me to remain mum about his request, I received a heads up that he would feature me today.
This is a great strategy for several reasons: 1) It’s giving exposure to some of the top people of color in the Webosphere; 2) It allows us to learn about each other, and possibly build relationships; 3) It helps Wayne build his brand as a thought leader, communicator and he’ll increase his reach though links and conversations that are created by this effort.
I met Wayne IRL (Twitter talk for in real life) in 2008 at SoCon08. I was immediately drawn in because his avatar is kind of similar to mine. He also has a passion for video technology, as well as anything else social. I also remember seeing a video that he posted from his car ride to Atlanta.
I of course had to interview him for the SoCon08 video I produced.
Why would he want to feature Amani Channel? If you’re just finding my blog for the first time, I’m a journalist at heart. I’ve worked in broadcast news as a reporter for more than ten years, but I fell in love with social media in 2006. I’ve always been fascinated with video and news ever since I was a kid.
You see, I was raised in a small city called East Palo Alto in the SF bay area that had a gansterous reputation. I was baffled at why the news would only come around when there were gunshots. There must have been good stories to tell right? I could go into the narrative, but produced this video that will show what I mean.
So in the past three years, I’ve worked at two networks that have shut down, news freelance opportunities are slim, and many newsrooms are chopping heads like it’s the French revolution.
It’s a sad state of affairs on one hand, but also a needed smack in the face for news corporations traded quality journalism for the paper chase. The Internet is forcing people to create new business models and that’s opening to doors for new media ventures.
In the meantime, I’ve been able to rebrand myself through the Internets. I’ve produced hundreds of video podcasts, and mobile videos with my iPhone. I now speak, teach, produce professional videos and do some consulting.
I can’t forget to mention that I now work in public broadcasting at PBA as the community manager for LensonAtlanta.
I know that I have a lot of knowledge that can help journalists make the transition into the digital space, but they have to stop chasing fire engines first and slow down to pay attention to what the people really need to know.
Thanks Wayne, and congrats to everyone else who is being featured this month!
